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**ElizabethClark** · 10-12-2006, 03:12 PM

Re: What the children think

We went to Fort Bridger Wyoming in June to set up as a "rest stop on the Oregon Trail" in a pretty meadow just outside the Fort's walls... three wagons, 5.5 grownups (one was a very young adult), 8-9 kids ranging from 16 to 1.5 years.

Nearby to our encampment was a small stream. My oldest daughter spent a good 4 hours each day standing in the stream, her skirts and petticoats hiked up, drawers soggy for the first few inches, "fishing" with a hanky, a stick, and some twine. The littler girls sat on the bank, absorbed. The boys came by freqently to torment them, and also spent a good deal of time trying to set string snares for little ground rodents. The kids worked together to construct a lean-to with sticks, twine, and a square of spare canvas. They had to be talked into wearing boots (my son went barefoot most of the event because he very realistically grew out of his boots about 2 days before we left.) They had no problems leaving their hats, caps, and bonnets on to combat the sun.

When gearing up for this event, I asked the kids what amusements they needed to take. The list was short:

Pocket Knife
String

They figured that with those two things, they could keep amused for weeks.

I've noticed that children are have a very easy time of getting into the past. They don't worry so much over the "impression" they're presenting--they just LIVE. We spent a lot of time discussing what a child's life on the trail might be like, what they might fear or enjoy, what foods would be normal (beans), what foods would be treats (eggs and fresh fruit).

I know my kids had a great time playing, but my daughter (who'll be 11 by then) is also really looking forward to being a servant at an event next year... working part-time as kitchen and cleaning help. We're using the role as a springboard for studying history this winter, and I'm encouraging her to write about the experience with an eye to submitting it for publication, precisely because we don't often hear from the younger set on what their lives would have been like.

(Speaking of younger sets... mine is screaming from her high chair. Time for a nap.)

**Mutt** · 10-12-2006, 03:34 PM

Re: What the children think

No children. In fact, no marriage . . . yet :-P

However, I will comment for the sake of the have the same thought go through my mind as I watched the children at Perryville. They seemed to have an endless supply of energy they could tap into even at 8am! haha

I think we can all learn from them. I've continually found that the more worried I am about every detail and thread through an event, how I look, et.c etc. the less fun I have. As Mrs. Clark pointed out, "they just LIVE." It's a lot simpler and so easy. It also proves that "the primitive past" isn't as primitive or far removed from us as we think. "Back in the old days" can be found right smack infront of us.

I'm just glad the children at Perryville didn't knock over my lil lean-to. :)

Regards,

**Forquer** · 10-12-2006, 04:18 PM

Re: What the children think

This is just another example of what happens when you let kids "be kids." You can only structure their lives so much.

I think back to when I was at that age. If I had to do it all over again now, it would probably drive me nuts. Combine an education system that is trying to homogenize their charges into good little citizens who are incapabale of thinking outside the box, let alone criticaly thinking, with parents who have to have their kids enrolled in activities instead of just letting them play and getting their creative juices flowing, and you're breeding a new race of zombies.

Some of the best adjusted kids (if there is such a thing) that I've been exposed to have been brought up in the reenacting community.

**Chessa** · 10-12-2006, 06:02 PM

Re: What the children think

Originally posted by ElizabethClark

I know my kids had a great time playing, but my daughter (who'll be 11 by then) is also really looking forward to being a servant at an event next year... working part-time as kitchen and cleaning help. We're using the role as a springboard for studying history this winter, and I'm encouraging her to write about the experience with an eye to submitting it for publication, precisely because we don't often hear from the younger set on what their lives would have been like.

I am also looking forward to an event next year much the same.

It really is easy to get "into" a role for reenactments. I got into reenacting a little too late to play like that, but it is probably easier for me to get into the whole swing of things than it would be for, say, one of my older friends.

**NoahBriggs** · 10-12-2006, 07:10 PM

Re: What the children think

Sounds lik e the inn will be overstaffed, if there is such a thing!

My fondest memory was McDowell 03. As we marched into the "battlefield" we saw a fence which crossed the property. Draped on the fence at various crazy angles were perfect models straight out of a Tom Sawyer book - kids, parked on the fence, eagerly waiting for the ball to open.

**58th C** · 10-13-2006, 07:40 AM

Re: What the children think

I can't say that I have had a specific conversation about reenacting with my son. He is aware that there is a correct way to be dressed in period clothing and does request items that he would like. On his last birthday he asked for a hat and we got him a nice one in a slightly larger size so it would last. A friend made him a painted canvas knapsack as we knew an army one wouldn't do for a child. Before Perryville, he asked me to make him drawers. He has no qualms about wearing period clothing and they don't hamper him in any way from running around and playing or climbing trees. It seems that many parents no longer allow their children to run freely outdoors and get wet or dirty. I always let my boys play in the yard and get wet and muddy. People who live in pristine environments may have a hard time adjusting to sleeping outdoors, having a bug crawl on them or finding bits of who-knows-what floating in that cup they've just been drinking out of. I thought that all of the children in the Living History area did quite well in getting along and keeping busy. The fact that they all were dressed properly only added to the ambiance.

Lauren Kaye

**S.D.Foster** · 10-13-2006, 08:29 AM

Re: What the children think

My wife and I took our 20-month old daughter to Perryville last weekend. Saturday morning, as she was waking up she seemed to think her parents had gone insane and were no longer making any sense. Part of this was because it was her first night outside of a home, and she did not understand why she was getting cold when out from under the blanket. I guess she associates blankets with sleep, and when we tried to put it back on her she would push it off. Naturally she gave me one of those looks which implied "How could you?"

But, after a short while she was up and walking about and having a wonderful time. She did not seem to mind being in different clothes. We spent a lot of time trying to keep her hair parted in the middle, followed by her brushing it back out of order time and time again.

But it sure was a load of fun. Last weekend was the first time she said "horse" and it was while looking at real horses. I was glad we took her to the event.

Sean Foster

**ElizabethClark** · 10-13-2006, 09:15 AM

Re: What the children think

Sean, don't worry over that messy gerbil hair... if you look at engravings and informal pictures, messy baby hair is pretty common. They prettied it up for posed images most times, but it doesn't last long in real life. :)

I do remember the year my son went from dresses to little trousers. He was VERY put out about it... his dresses and light cotton drawers were cool and breezy, and he was very annoyed about having to wear pants. He's now 7.5, and as we were gearing up this spring, he asked if please, please couldn't a little boy on the Oregon trail wear a kilt, because he didn't want long pants. We found a compromise in shorter knickerbockers and bare feet, and that seemed to work out well.

Off to take the husband to work!

**Nevada Bugler** · 10-13-2006, 09:26 AM

Re: What the children think

I'd have to agree that kids raised around the re-enacting communities are some of the best adjusted going. Do you have any idea how many young parents today would have a fit over a boy of 8 being turned loose with a knife and some string? 'But he could hurt himself'! I've heard things like this, and it seems as though many re-enactor fathers have the same reply as me--so? He'll heal if he gets cut and he'll figure out how to keep from getting hurt!.

At our camps we have lots of kids, both boys and girls. We just turn 'em loose and let 'em have a great time. We don't fret over bugs, dirt, being clean or how to keep them from hurting themselves. The funny thing is that it's very unusual for any of them to get hurt. For the most part, they are some of the healthiest and happiest kids around. And they can't wait for the next years campaigns to begin!

Bill Scott
Hardaways Alabama Battery
Comstock Civil War Reenactors

**ElizabethClark** · 10-13-2006, 10:49 AM

Re: What the children think

Lest anyone reading be afraid--I know Mr. Scott and most of the rest of us don't actually just turn a kid loose with a knife... they're given safety instruction in the proper use of such things at home, before any event, plus instructions on "what is appropriate to use a knife on, and what isn't". :) We're also very explicit about *where* running games and play can occur (not near tents, nor fires, and certainly not near any military camps), and when it's not okay (late at night, etc.)

I know our family prefers non-battle events... there's more to do when we're interpreting "everyday life" rather than the crises battles bring down on citizens. But children have successfully attended several campaign and battle events--it all depends on whether or not the event scenario has taken into account the realistic portrayal of citizens.

Anyone need a slightly drippy and whining, teething toddler girl for an upcoming scenario? I'm about ready to break out the whiskey for us both, or ship her by post to Grandma's in Biloxi. She'd be ideal for any scenario enhanced by the unhappy sobs of a small girl.

Talking with my own children, they enjoy working in event scenarios just as much as playing. Gathering wood, hauling water, helping cook, cuddling that crabby toddler in a shawl, picking wild blackberries, fishing for dinner, helping tend any livestock, pulling weeds in a cottage garden... it can all be enjoyable with the companionship of other similarly-engaged children, or interested adults to keep company.

Looking forward to the Inn event, my daughter is excited to have new pinafores, to sweep the rooms and smooth beds, and to help with cutting bread and vegetables. She'll be working part-time only, so there will be plenty of play time with the other children, but she's very much looking forward to being able to say, "I must get back--I've work to do, or else we won't earn our supper..." and making envious comments about the non-working children, and the life she hopes to return to when we've found a new home.

One tip: always make sure YOU get to use the wash water before the 7yo boy. Another: consider sewing his pockets shut if he's a boy who tends to collect things. I've learned both lessons the unpleasant way. :)

With pre-event education and direction, and making sure we instruct the kids on civilized behavior, they really do have a blast, just being Kids In The Past.

**Nevada Bugler** · 10-13-2006, 11:03 AM

Re: What the children think

Lest anyone reading be afraid--I know Mr. Scott and most of the rest of us don't actually just turn a kid loose with a knife... they're given safety instruction in the proper use of such things at home, before any event, plus instructions on "what is appropriate to use a knife on, and what isn't".

Darn right! You can't go whittlin on the tent poles!

Bill Scott
Hardaways Alabama Battery
Comstock Civil War Reenactors

**Hargis, G. 5 A-1** · 10-13-2006, 11:12 AM

Re: What the children think

Thanks to Miss Siddali sharing her Silvana/Megan conversation with us, we have a delightfully didactic discussion going here. Sprats are, of course, an important thread in the historic tapestries we weave. Instead of acting (in the thespian sense) they REACT as period people. They put the "Living" into "Living History," as we all should.

**MercyAngel62** · 10-13-2006, 11:28 AM

Re: What the children think

I've been involved with Civil War reenacting since I was a baby in arms. My parents actually started reenacting about 25 years ago. When I was younger, I didn't really understand the purpose of being "in funny clothes" and camping. It was very natural part of my family-life. Ten-twenty years ago, both of my parents were more active in the reenacting community. Now, due to health reasons and age, they do not participate as much. I can remember my father setting up camp for my mother and I with our group on Friday nights and coming back Sunday to take our camp back down. It was always something I got to do with my mom- something we had in common and I loved it! And, now that she no longer reenacting, I have inherited all of her things! :D

Participating in reenacting also gave me a chance to have social connections beyond my community and I was able to learn to interact with adults more at a young age. I have so many strong friendships of different ages with people that I have known since childhood within the reenacting community.

I think children within the hobby see a view-point that you don't generally get from school or other activities. I learned to appreciate history more so than friends I have grown up with outside of reenacting.

**Nevada Bugler** · 10-13-2006, 11:44 AM

Re: What the children think

Since we're on the subject of kids, here's a great site I stumbled on that has lots of old time games that kids used to play. I'm seriously considering a 'camp of instruction' in kids games for all the wild little hares running loose!

Dan Beard's Games

http://www.kudu.net/outdoor/games/beard/index.htm

__________________
Bill Scott
Hardaways Alabama Battery
Comstock Civil War Reenactors

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